I am deeply disappointed by Royal Roads University’s decision to name its new campus after former premier John Horgan. This choice stands in clear contradiction to the university’s stated commitment to decolonization – especially given that the campus sits on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
While Royal Roads promotes decolonized education, honouring Horgan ignores his harmful legacy on Indigenous rights, particularly regarding the Site C dam on Treaty 8 territory. In 2017, Horgan campaigned on ending the project, appearing with Indigenous leaders under “Say No to Site C” banners. Yet, once elected, he reversed course, claiming the project was “too far along to cancel.”
The impacts have been devastating. Site C has caused irreversible environmental damage in the North Peace region and contributed to a spike in violent organized crime and the fentanyl crisis due to a transient workforce. Most significantly, it violated the treaty-protected rights of the Treaty 8 First Nations.
It is ethically indefensible for Royal Roads to celebrate the legacy of a leader who so clearly undermined Indigenous sovereignty. Naming a campus after Horgan sends the message that broken promises and environmental harm are acceptable costs.
If the university is serious about decolonization, it must reflect that in both policy and practice. This decision does neither.
Scott Donovan
Langford
